Longford rallies to support brave fireman as he fights rare form of cancer

The people of Longford and beyond are rallying to support a brave fireman as he fights a rare form of cancer. 

Nine weeks ago Fintan McDonald felt pain in his right hip which was diagnosed as soft tissue sarcoma. 

Karen Heneghan, one of four close family friends who has organised the McDonald Family Support Fund on the gofundme online fundraising platform, said the diagnosis turned the life of Fintan, his wife Edel and their son Fintan Jnr, upside down.

Karen explained, "This cancer is extremely rare and unfortunately very aggressive. Fintan is currently receiving high dose palliative chemotherapy for a stage IV sarcoma which is unfortunately incurable in its nature."

Fintan is well known in Ballymahon and he is highly respected across Longford for his work in the fire service and he will require long term treatment in order to maintain his cancer and prolong life for as long as possible. 

This week, the proceeds from Ballymahon GAA Club's weekly lotto draw (which take places on Tuesday, April 4), will be donated to the McDonald Family. 

Ballymahon GAA posted on Facebook: "Next Tuesday all of the proceeds from our weekly lotto will be donated to the McDonald family who have had an extremely tough couple of weeks and have a long road ahead. Good neighbours and good friends, we want to help in any way we can. Our thoughts are with Fintan, Edel, Baby Fintan, Mary, Fintan, Eric, extended family and friends."

Ballymahon restaurant Jolly Boys Pizza & Grill are also organising a Coffee Morning in aid of the McDonald Family Support Fund on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 11am to 2pm.

Mitchell's Bar in Legan are also holding a fundraising night on Easter Sunday in aid of the McDonald Family Support Fund. There is music and DJ from 7.30pm and it promises to be a great night. 

Karen Heneghan outlined that Fintan's wife, Edel, has been by his side since day one and wants to continue to do so throughout his time and treatment in hospital. "Fintan and Edel are always first to help others in need and now they are in need and we are asking for your help and support."

That is why Karen and her friends Joanne, Gillian and Sarah set up the McDonald Family Support Fund gofundme page.

They set a fundraising target of €50,000 and as of early Sunday afternoon, April 2, the figure stood at almost €77,000 following one thousand donations to the campaign. 

Karen continued, "This is sure to be a long, arduous road for the McDonald family and they are in need of our friendship and support now more than ever. Our love and prayers are with Fintan and we hope you can help support the McDonald family in any way you can.

"As you know the bills don't stop and in this current climate its even more difficult. We are hoping to raise money to support Edel and Fintan in this difficult time with their finance and any medical bills that may arise. To try and alleviate some of the pressure and stress during this horrendous time in their lives."

Local writer Valerie Masters also penned a poem 'The gentle battler' in support of Fintan McDonald and his family. 

Karen concluded, "Please, please, please help our friends. They have a little baby boy and only moved into their forever home less than two years ago. Their whole world has just been shattered."

To support the gofundme campaign, click on the following link: McDonald Family Support Fund